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The Newslotter of the Original [obo Nickel Suciely, Inc. 


Muly/Aug/Sept ZUUU 


Just When You Think You've Seen It Alll 


While at a local coin show this past 
weekend, a dealer who has a few 
hobo nickels showed me a rather 
unusual one he had just purchased, 
T thought it was so unusual thal T 
asked if I could borrow it to photo- 
graph and write it up for BO TALES, 

As you can see from the photo, it 
is a fairly well done example, but 


by Bill Fivaz 


there’s a “chunk” out of the obverse! 
‘Thereis also a long scratch across the 
face on the obverse and several more 
on the reverse, 

‘The thing that intrigued me about 
this coin is that it's a counterfeit, but 
it doesn't stop there. The obverse ap- 
pears to be made of a very soft metal, 
probably lead, but the Type 1 reverse 


gives every appearance of being a le- 
gitimate 75% copper/25% nickel 
product as it has an entirely differ- 
ent color, although not discernable in 
the photos 

A check of the edge shows clearly 
that two different pieces were sealed 
together, but the “coppery” color that 
is hlaeding through around the re- 
verse rim and on the high points of 
the reverse (the hip and flank under- 


continued on page 3 


When You Think 
You've Seen 
Ttall......... Front Cover 


Prez, Message .. 


Hobo Bread ...., 


Hodgepodge ... 


Dues Notice ...... 


OHNS Goodies... 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY. INC é 


PRESIDENT’S 
MESSAGE 


MODERN HOBO 
NICKELS REPORT 


Modern hobo nickels are 
gaining in popularity on 
eBay Internet auctions. Just 
recently a Sam Alfano carv- 
ing of a gold-toothed waif sold for $585.00. A great carv- 
ing of a pirate by Cinco de Arturo sold for $315.00. And 
gaining is Arthur Hutchison, Jr. (or “Hutches”) whose nice 
partial cameo copy of Bo's RR cop design sold for $177.50. 
Average to Above Average old hobo nickels are selling for 
about $100 to $250 on eBay. High Above Average to Su- 
perior old hobo nickels rarely sold for over $350.00 on 
eBay, until recently. A satirical carving of a Pope on a 
1913 nickel just sold for $651.26 on a reduced bid. 

There seems to be many hobo nickel collectors active 
on Internet auctions who probably don’t know about us. 
So any OHNS members selling hobo nickels on the 
Internet, please put in a plug for OHNS. Thanks to those 
who already have. 


OHNS AUTHENTICATION FEES 

The fee for submitting only one hobo nickel for authen- 
tication may be increasing soon. The long-time $15.00 
fee no longer covers our cost of mailing the coin twice (or 
possibly three times) via Registered Mail (due to rate in- 
creases), photography, copying forms, and other mailings. 

So beginning next year (pending Board approval), the 
fee for a single coin submission may be raised to $20.00 
(for secure Registered mailings), and stay at $15.00 for 
those opting for less secure Insured mailings. Plus an ex- 
tra $1.10 for each $100.00 insurance over $100.00, or an 
extra $1.10 for Registered mail with insurance over $100 
to $500. 

ees remain the same for multiple coin submissions. 


HOBO NICKEL GUIDEBOOK 

Work has progressed rapidly over the summer on a Hobo 
Nickel Guidebook to be published by OHNS. A first draft 
hhas been written. But much work remains in obtaining 
and organizing the hundreds of photos of hobo nickels to 
be illustrated in the book. The Guidebook covers who 
how and why hobo nickels were made, explains the Qual- 
ity Designations (Crude to Superior), discusses factors af- 
fecting the desirability and value of hobo nickels, has a 
biographical gallery of the best known named and nick- 
named hobo nickel artists both old and modern, tells how 


to recognize a modern hobo nickel, covers fakes and hobo 
tokens, and illustrates many hobo nickels from past OHNS 
auctions with Quality Designations and hammer prices, 
plus a handy glossary. 

Itis too early to take orders now. Watch for announce 
ments in future issues of Bo Tales or in a special mailing 
to OHNS members. 


NICK IS BORED 

No questions were submitted for the ASK NICK col- 
umn which debuted last issue. If you have nothing to 
ask, maybe you have some information to share? If so, 
write an article for Bo Tales. It’s your publication, and we 
need more input from members. Any members who are 
currently making hobo nickels, let us know about your- 
self and your creations, if your story hasn't appeared in 
Bo Tales yet. Send your articles to the Editor; send Ask 
Nick questions to me (see last issue). 

Thope to see many of you in Orlando in January at the 
FUN show and OHNS meeting and auction. The final 
issue of Bo Tales for this year will the auction catalogue. 


Steve “The Big One” Alpert 
oy +X FH wom 
Correction 


Greetings, Steve. I was so pleased to see Sam Alfano 
featured in the Spring 2000 issue of Bo Tales. He truly is 
a gifted artist on many fronts! 

As [ read the article, I noticed that there is one com- 
ment that needs correction. While itis true that Sam’s first 
carving was that of a Cajun fisherman, the character's name 
is COOTER JACK, not Elmo Thibideaux. Cooter Jack is 
carved on the obverse as well as having an amusing trans- 
formation of the bison on the reverse into a fish swim- 
ming amid some sea grass!!! However, Elmo Thibideaux 
is the first Hobo piece with gold inlaid to the hatband. 

‘As you personally know this particular piece, you can 

surely appreciate his craftsmanship! 
Just wanted to keep the genealogy of this branch of the 
Hobo family tree clear. I look forward to seeing this spe- 
cial branch grow and blossom. Iam very happy to be one 
of the ‘tenders’ of the roots. His work is certainly some- 
thing to ‘ bark ‘ about!!! 

Please publish the correction in the next edition of Bo 
Tales. 


Vagabondly, 
“CEEBO” # 408 


‘This correction was forwarded by Email to Mr. Sam Alfano 
for comment, but no comments were received (editor). 


2 BOTALES: 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, IN 


“Seen It Alll.... continued trom page 1 


neath it, the tail, the buffalo's horn and on “CENTS") tell 
us that itis not a legit reverse. Whoever manufactured the 
false dies for this piece was good, believe me! 

The “chunk” that has fallen away on the obverse ig sim- 
ply a portion of the lead or whatever metal was used that 
failed to bond properly and gol lost over time. The reverse 
is slightly rotated, but not to the extent that we usually 
coo on thie typo of forgory. 


OHNS now has a Librarian 


ONINS is forming a lending library for our members, 
with Roger Wollam as our Librarian, Mr. Wollam was one 
of the volunteers for the librarian position requested in 
the lastassue of Bo ales, and the board voted in his tavor. 

Any members who wish to donate books, periodicals, 
music tapes and CDs, and videotapes related to hobo nick- 
els and hoboes may do so now, Please send all library 
material to: 


Roger E. Wollam (LM12) 
3191 Wayside Terrace 
Salem, OR 97303 

phone 503-585-0269 
email: ullmr@uswest.com 


Hobo Bread is a cake 
made in coffee can 


Rogarding a letter from D.E.B. for “Cake in a Can” is 
also known. as Hobo Bread. I's not a typical yeast-type 
bread; it’s more like a dark brown yummy cake. Our fam- 
ily was intraduced to it hy friends who take it ta camp, 
making it ahead in coffee cans. Enclosed is our recipe. 
WB. Falmouth 


HOBO BREAD 
4 teaspoons baking soda 
2 cups boiling water 
2 cups dark raisins 
4 cups flour 
2 cups sugar 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
4 tablespoons oil 


Mix baking soda and water and pour over raisins. Let 
stand overnight without stirring. Next morning sift flour, 
sngar and salt tngether and stir into raisin mixture with a 
spoon, Add oil and continue mixing with spoon. Batler 
will be thick. Grease and flour 3 one-pound coffee cans 
and put 1/3 of the batter into each can, leaving top open 
for baking (cans will be about half full). Bake at 950 for a 
half-hour, reduce to 325 for another half-hour, 

Near end, cover cans with foil to prevent over-brown- 
ing, Remove from oven after testing; lay cans on sides and 
turn occasionally to loosen bread. Delicious with cream 
cheese, fruit salad or hot buttered with beans and ham. 


Reprinted from an unknown newspaper Dear Write to Know: 
column that was forwarded to Gail K. 


3.200) 
He 003 


ee gusto, 2001 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, INC, 


ba fore paar ce 


“FLAT NOSE” QUIZ 


Remember the early hobo nickel maker nicknamed “Flat 
Nose” in the last issue of Bo Tales? Take this test - see if 
you can find the hobo nickel by “Flat Nose” among the 20 
hobo nickels on page 44 of Joyce Ann Romines’ The Hobo 
Nickel book. If you're stumped, go back and look up “Flat 
Nose” in last issue's column. 

‘As I write this in early September, a “Flat Nose” hobo 
nickel is currently being auctioned on eBay. The seller 
guesses it depicts an “African Traveler Muslim.” 

Two more nicknamed prolific early hobo nickel makers 
are introduced below. 


INTRODUCING “DAPPER” 


Tve selected the nickname “Dapper” for this unknown 
early hobo nickel artist because his works depict a well 
dressed and 
spruced up man 
with a neal, short, 
tim beard, mus- 
tache and hai 
Three “Dapper” 
hobo nickels are il- 
lustrated (Figures 1 
to 3). 

The specific diag- 
nostic characteris- 
tice that identify a 
hobo nickel by 
“Dapper” are: 

1, Asimple hat, with avery long, slightly curved, narrow 
hat brim, which extends to the coin’s border al each 
sharply-pointed end. There may beno hat band, a simple 
hat band, ora decorated hat band, with no bow. 

2, The punched or chiseled hair, beard, and mustache are 
neatly trimmed. There is a triangular projection of hair, 
from the beard, onto the cheek, that paints toward the eye. 


4s 


Figure 1 


3. There is a 
simple two-part 
collar; an upper 
wider plain band, 
and a lower nar- 
rower band that 
may be decorated. 
A large single trian- 
gular flap is at the 
front of the collar. 
There are no fea- 
tures added on the 
coat-shoulder area 
below the collar. 


Figure2 


4, The earis narrow. 
It may extend over 
the hat brim. 

5. The profile is un- 
altered. 

6. The neck, dome 
of the hat, and field 
behind the head are 
fairly well dressed 
or textured. 

7, “Dapper'’s” works 
appear to be on 
early-dated buffalo 
nickels. 


INTRODUCING “TUFTY” 


['ve nicknamed this prolific early hobo nickel maker 
“fufty” because of the small tull of hair that appears on 
his works, on the front of the forehead below the hat brim. 
‘Tio “Tufty” hobo nickels are illustrated (Figures 4 and 5). 
‘The diagnostic characteristics of a hobo nickel by “Tufly” 
are: 


continued on page 5 


—_== 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, INC 


Hodgepodge... continieci trom page 4 


1. The isolated tuft 
of hair on the fore- 
head below the hat 
brim. 

2. A strongly 
curved hat brim, 
with a parallel, 
equally wide, plain. 
hat band. 

3. A large car, with 
a very wide outer 
part, and a smaller 
central depression. 


Figure 4 
‘The shape of the ear may vary. 
4, The coin is totally carved. 
5. The collar con- 
sists of a single, 
broad, chiseled, 
band-like groove, 
with some bald 
notches at the front, 
and to the right of 
the date. 
6, The profile is 
slightly altered, at 
the top of the nose. 
7. The dome of the 
hat, the neck, and 
the field behind the 
head are fairly well 
dressed. 
8. All known “Tufty” pieces are on 1913 nickels. 

For illustrations 
of additional hobo 
nickels by “Tufty,” 
see lot 26 of the 
January 1996 
OHNS auction. 
And in Joyce 
Romines’ book, sea 
page 44 (far left col- 
umn, third coin 
down) and page 45 
(far right column, 
second coin down). 


A HOBO NICKEL BY AL NALICK 


Early hobo nickels signed by the artist with a first and 
last name are rare. The reverse of this nickel (Figure 6) 
teads BY (above the buffalo) AT. NALICK (on the buffalo). 
Each letter 
is formed 
by dash-like 
punches. 

I have 
no knowl- 
edge of who 
Al Nalick 
was, and IT 
haven't 
found or 
seen an- 
other hobo 
nickel by 
him yet, He 
appears to 
have heen a 
somewhat competent average hobo nickel artist, but no 
great talont, as you can see (Figure 6), He had to squeeze 
in the Kon the reverse as he didn't plan well on the space 
needed for his name. 

The obverse of his nickel has a simple hat high on the 
head, an irregular ear, the hair-beard-mustache formed 
by chiseled zigzag lines: there is a simple high shirt col- 
Jar, and 
a coat 
collar. 


Figure 6 


continued on page 6 


neon 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, INC 


Hodgepodge... continued from page 4 


HOBO CIGARS 


Large novelty Hobo Cigars wero sold circa the 1950s 
and 1960s. Mustrated (Figure 8) is the cardboard (actual 
size 10 x 4 inches) alop the plastic bag containing one 


sTaNE YO ane Te oH 


such cigar (9 inches long, made of a thin waxed plastic). 

Talcum powder inside provides the “smoke” when the ci- 

gar is squeezed. Such hobo cigars occasionally appear on eu 

eBay Internet auctions. HELPED’ RSELF 
eee 

HOBO CARD 

GAME 


I recently pur- 
chased this HOBO 
card game on eBay. 
The 3.5 x 4.5 inch 
box is illustrated. In- 
side are two decks of 
cards (54 cards in 
each, colored red- 
black-white; one 
deck is still sealed). 
Unfortunately the in- 
structions were not 
present, so I do not 
know how the game is played. Apparently there is no 


FARMERS 
GARDEN 


BRAKE-MAN 
THROWS 


ALL | 
FUN! 


playing board. the law and other hoboes. 
The game was issued by Mind Over Matter (MOM) somo of the cards are il- ‘ 
Games in 1987, rather late for a hobo-related product. Even Tuctatedtharen ite bold x LOSE 
the box refers to the hobo's pending extinction from soci- ae neues ee 
2 z e EES GR ar TUI Ne eaele HOBO design is the com- TURN AND 


YOUR RIDE 


amon back. Is OUER 


rds relate to the life of a hobo: earning money 
from jobs, obtaining food, traveling, and encounters with See more cards on page 7 


Cans 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, Inc. 


YOU CAUGHT 4 
HOBO STEALING 


TAKE 1 CARD 
FROM HOBO You CauGaT 
ANY HOBO YOU CHOOSE 


EASY PICKENS 


YOU MAKE A HOBO 
FRIEND .... HE SHARES 
WITR YOO 


GO TO JAIL — 
SHERIFF CAUGAT 
YOU STEALING 
LOSE 2 TURNS 


OR LET Hi YO 
LEFT TAKE 2 CARDS 
FROM YOU 


TAKE | CARD 
FROM NEW FRIEND — 
ANY HOBO YOU CHOOSE 


GO TO JAIL 
ON 
VaGRancy 


HIP! RIP! HOORAY! 


UU TCT RURAL 


LOSE 2 TURNS 
‘OR LET HOBO 
ON YOUR RIGHT 
TAKE 2 CARDS FROM YOU 


TAKE 2 CARDS 
FROM ANY HOBO 
YOU CHOOSE 


AUCTION 2001 UPDATE 
‘The Original Hobo Nickel Soviety will have theiran- | 
nual auction of Hoha nickels and related material at 
the 2001 FULN. Convention ia Orlando, FL on Satur- 
day, January 6, 2001, 
It appears that this wil 


the largest ever, 


Catalogues should be in the members hands in early 
"December, Ifa member doasn't receive one by Dec. 

| 16th, please have them call or fax me at 
(770) 396-6125, 


Bill Fivaz 


You 
FOUND MONEY Ge 


*20 


WORKED WoRKED 4 DAY 
spavs OZs see (Osh 


BOTALES (oe 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY. INC 


Dues...It’s That Time Again! 


Tho year is coming to a closa, and those who are paid 
through the end of the year 2000 will need to re-submit 
dues to continue receiving member privileges next year. 
Please check your mailing label. The “Paid Through Year” 
is on the far right of the label on the top line after your 
name. If your label says “2000” then your membership 
ends al the end of this year. Please submit dues according 
to the following choices: 


LIFE membership $250 

Five years regular membership: $ 40 
Through 2005 (Save $$) 

‘Three years regular membership: $ 25 
Through 2003 (Save $) 

One year regular membership; $ 10 
Through 2001 

Junior Membership: $5 


Through 2001 (only available yearly) 
(Junior Members must be under 19 years of age. This 
mombership is a reduced rate with full member privileges 
including all mailings.) 


Associate Membership $05) 
Through 2001 (only available yearly) 
(Associate Members can bo any member of the same house- 
hold with a Regular or LIFE member. Associate members 
have member privileges, but donot receive a separate copy 

of BoTales) 


Please include vour mailing label, with any address changes 
noted. Make check payable to ‘Original Hobo Nickel So- 
ciety” and send to: 


OHNS, PO. Box 54583. Cincinnali, OH 45254-0583 


If you are renewing as a junior member, please indicate your 
age for our records. Ifyou are not renewing, or if you have 
questions or concerns, please drop us a line or send an email 
with feedhack. It is important to the OHNS board to know 
how we can continue to serve our members better. 


Submitted by Jeff “Diamond Jim” Daniher, Secretary 
({daniher@yahoo.com 


NEW Yi j 


As of January 2000 


Member Date Name Number 


State 


41/1/00 Rita Jen Sledz ML 874 
1/1/00 Steve Hoover Eira 
1/1/00 Garol Harmes. RE 576 
1/1/00 Don Charters MI 578 
1/5/00 Arthur Hutchison MS 566 
1/5/00 Bill Gailey EL 569 
1/5/00 Barb Eck MI 570 
1/5/00 Robert Shalowitz OH 572 
1/5/00 David Litrenta PA 573) 
4/10/00 Ralph Stevens UT 568 
1/15/00 Cliff Gabard GAN 575: 
1/27/00 Curt Barlow DE 580 
2/1/00 James Shaw CA 579 
2/19/00 Sam Deap PA 582 
2/20/00 ‘Albert Hal Th 583 
2/23/00. Kira Delfavero ME 577 
2/24/00 Marc Madow GA 581 
3/6/00 ‘Tom Stepanski NY 584 
3/14/00 James Pommerening CA 586 
4/34/00 Joseph Raimond NY 585 
4/5/00. Mike Hakala WI 588 
4/7/00. Alex Macievich CA 589 
4/24/00 Larry Ivers GA 4587) 
4/27/00 Henry Salvione NY 567 
5/fi/oo Matthew Vaznaian RI 590 
5/5/00 Sani Alfano LA 594 
5/8/00 Merlin Peterson cO 592 
s/ly/uu Ford Smith MT 591 
6/14/00 Raymond Castello GA 593 
6/15/00 Norm Froderman = IN 595 
6/15/00 Dennis Deaser OH 996 
7/1/00 Mike Tevis UX 597 
7/10/00. Ray Phillip OH 598 
6/5/00 William Jameson KY 599. 
8/7/00 Fred Schornstein = NY 601 
9/6/00. Gary Johnson KS 


-8 BOTALES 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, INC. 


red says ho still has the following material ready to ship to any mombor who hasn't ordered yot. Also, the hobo 
tokens by Ron Landis are great additions to your collection... take advantage of their availability now and get a 
complete set. 


“The following back issues of BO TALES and Auction catalogues with prices realized are also available to mem- 
bers (number in parenthesis is the # of copies available). BO TALES issues are $3.50 ea, and Auction Catalogues 
are $4.00 ea. 
Auction Catalogs Bo-Tales 
Jan. 99 (20) Fall 93(3) Dec. 96 (12) 
Jan. 96 (30) Winter 95 (1) April 97 (25) 
Aug. 96 (20) April 94 (4) Aug. 97 (25) 
Jan, 97 (30) Feb. 95 (2) Dec, 97 (15) 
Jan. 98 (150) July 95 (20) May 98 (15) 
Jan. 00 (40) Dec, 95 (25) Aug. 98 (50) 
April 96 (12) Jul/Aug/Sept 99 (5) 


Order should he sent to; Fred Benson, 9862 Hawthorn Glen, Grosse Ile, MI 48138. Please make 
checks payahle to OHNS! 


* 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 Hobo Tokens by Ron Landis $10.00 each 


i p 
1999-2000 Reverse 


Teno 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIET 


THE ORIGINAL 


HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, INC. 


PO. BOX 54583 * CINCINNATI, OH 45254-0583 


MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM 


LU Please enroll me as a member in the Original [lobo Nickel Society, Inc. as indicated. 


(Please renew my membership (member number 


(15 years @ $40 
U Life @ $250 


O13 years @ $25 
O Youth under 19 @ $5 


Tam also enclosing a donation of 


Name: 


) as indicated. 


1 year @10 


(Associate @ $5 (no mailings) 


for the OHNS Scholarship program. 


Address: 


Moniker (Nickname): 


Phone: 


Tugrve (u ubide by dhe Suviety’s Cude uf Bthies. 


Signature of Candidate 


Sponsor's Name 


OHNS Advertisement Policy and Rates 


1, Prices quoted are for camera ready display copy. 


2. Graphic layout and design @ $25 per hour is available. 

3. Pictures or graphics are encouraged. 

4. Payment in full must be submitted with ads. Make checks payable to: Original Hobo Nickel Society. 

5, All ads must be related to Hobo Nickels or associated materials or subject matter. 

G. Dealers must adhere to our Code of Ethics. 
Numismatic flyers can be inserted and mailed with Bo Tales for as little as $150. 


Annual -4 Publications | Single Issue-Bo Tales _| Single - Auction Catalogue 
Full Page $225.00 $100.00 $125.00 
Full Page w/Cover $250.00 XX XX 
Half Page Ad $150.00 $75.00 $100.00 
Quarter Pago Ad $100.00 $50.00 $75.00 
Inside Cover Xx $175.00 


-10 BO TALES 


ORIGINAL HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, IN 


THE ORIGINAL 
HOBO NICKEL SOCIETY, INC. 


BO. BOX 54583 * CINCINNATI, OH 45254-0583 


HOBO NICKEL AUTHENTICATION SUBMISSION FORM 


ity, type, 
method(s), artist, condition and quality of the carving. Each coin will be photographed and described. Carvings consid- 
ered to be original (not modern) will be registered and numbered, Please submit one form with each coin to one of the 
following authenticators: 


Submissions will be reviewed by at least two authenticators who will give independent opinions on the original: 


Bill Five Steve Alpert 
PO. Box 888660 BO. Box 66331 
Dunwoody, GA 30356-0660 Los Angeles, CA 90066 
Owner's Name: OHNS Membership # 


Address 


Owner's value of coin (this information is necessary for insurance) 


Members: $15.00 per coin* or ton or more coins - $12.50 per coin* Non-Members: $25.00 per coin™ 
*Includes postage and insurance up to $100.00. If you desire additional insurance, indicate the amount and include the 
additional cost. 


Tunderstand that the opinions rendered are strictly that, opinions, and are not a guarantee that the item is genuine. It is 
however, the best considered judgement by qualified specialists in the area, but others may reach different conclusions. 


Oi Lauthorize OHNS to use 3 photograph af this enin D1 antharize QHNS fo nse my name (nat address). 


Signature of Submiter Date 


Please make all checks payable to: 
Original Hobo Nickel Society 


oral 


Bill Fivaz (Past President) 

Roman Luzecky (Editor) 

SECT (IN creamer ncn Sn omen eee roo enemas oremoreaarmrmic ON SIMa Seoldie INTs 
D eristeg nce so metnceriomertomaxercroxkonrreanmrconoxencnccrnasrorctan DO TESA RET 

Roger E. Wollam 

ssonsemseieoss Bill Fivaz 


Stove Alpert 
Don Farnsworth